|
Commemorated on June 2
The Holy Martyr
Constantine was born upon the island of Mytilene into a Mahometan family.
In his youth he fell ill with smallpox, from which he completely lost his
eyesight and awaited death. A certain Christian took him to church and washed
him with holy water. They brought him out of the temple completely healthy.
After a prolonged
searching, he received Baptism on Mount Athos and desired to shed his own blood
for Christ. The starets (elder) prescribed him to dwell in seclusion in
complete silence, fasting and prayer, for forty days and to put himself upon
the will of God.
Saint Constantine
after this, having received a blessing, confessed his faith in Christ in front
of the Turks. After fierce tortures, the judge gave orders to suffocate him.
Saint Constantine began his suffering deed for Christ on 23 April, and finished
on 2 June 1819.
© 1996-2001 by translator Fr. S. Janos.
|
Close window |